What’s a National Park Worth to an Area? Quite a Lot, Study Shows“‘In fiscal year 2009, area national park visitor spending contributed to an estimated $44.7 million in labor income while NPS payroll contributed another $8.8 million in labor income, resulting in $53.5 million in total labor income. To put this in perspective, total labor earnings in Grand County (Utah, near Canyonlands NP) for 2009 were $192 million.’ More so, jobs created by the park visitors and the parks’ payrolls totalled nearly 2,200 in FY09, which generated a related $135.7 million in spending, the study added.” (via Adventure Journal)

Just how prevalent are they? In a recent Science study, researchers took sand from 18 beaches over six continents, Clare Leschin-Hoar reports. The results?

Every beach tested contained microplastics (particles about the size of a piece of long grain of rice or smaller). Of the samples collected, nearly 80 percent were polyester or acrylic, though without further research, it’s impossible to know exactly which type of clothing—whether it’s your stretchy yoga pants or that super-soft fleece blanket—is causing the most problems.” (via Mother Jones)

Spaces of Banana Control“Nearly two million bananas pass through these ripening rooms on their journey to New York consumers each week — a vital link in the largely invisible, highly specialized architecture of artificial refrigeration that has enabled the banana to become and remain America’s favourite fruit.” (via Edible Geography)

Thank You, Public Plaza“Thank you public plaza, for your circuitous accessible path. I enjoy walking very slowly up these steps in a straight line while Nana scurries onto the ramp to my left and then onto the ramp on my right on her walker. Nana needed some exercise, and frankly, I needed a break from her. Thanks for that.” (via ArchDaily)

The Federal Government Wants to Bribe You to Drive to Work“The federal government is essentially bribing people to drive cars. Commuters who drive to work will see their monthly parking benefit increase $10, to a maximum of $240. Meanwhile, those who choose a healthier, safer and more cost-effective alternative — transit — will see their tax benefit drop from a maximum of $230 to $125.” (via Streetsblog)